Gillingham toddler's chicken painting sparks eBay bidding war

A creative toddler from Gillingham has become an internet phenomenon after her charity painting attracted nationwide interest.Indie Hookins, aged just 15 months, spent a quiet afternoon at home producing a finger painting of a "crazy chicken".The resulting "masterpiece" was put up for sale on internet auction site eBay by proud mum Paulette Miller to raise money for children's charity Reuben's Retreat.However, to the surprise of the family, the painting has become the subject of an online bidding war, reaching £33 by Tuesday.With 37 bids already made and five days left to run, it is hoped the painting will be eventually sell for a three-figure sum.Miss Miller said: "I am stunned by the interest it has received. To have a toddler's painting going for more than £30 is pretty amazing."I don't even know who is bidding. It started off as a bit of fun. Indie loves painting so we decided to see how much it would raise."Hopefully we can raise a lot more in the next few days."Miss Miller, who moved to Maple Way, Gillingham, five years ago, said she came across the Reuben's Retreat charity on Facebook – and the cause instantly touched her heart.The charity was set up in August 2012 by the family of 23-month-old Reuben Graham, who died of a rare type of cancer. The family hopes to open a retreat for children with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses by 2015.It will also offer support and bereavement counselling for families who have suffered the loss of a child.Miss Miller said: "What was most touching was seeing his mother's strength and courage through such a hard time."I was desperate to do something to help the cause, so that's why we put the painting up for sale."It is a bit of fun to raise money for a very worthwhile cause."Reuben's mother, Nicola, said: "It is a lovely to hear that Paulette and her young daughter are raising money for our charity in this way."To bid, search for Chicken Painting by Indie at www.ebay.co.uk.